The Richmond Ambulance Authority will donate one of its ambulances (Unit 85) as part of the “U.S. Ambulances for Ukraine” nationwide effort.

RAA partnered with the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association to stock the ambulance with medical supplies donated from HCA Virginia, VCU Health and the Northern Virginia Emergency Response System before its journey to Ukraine.

“For more than 30 years, RAA has built an international reputation and relationships because of its innovative approach to EMS, as we’ve helped health care workers across the world create similar EMS systems in their home countries,” said RAA CEO Chip Decker at the donation event that took place at its headquarters on Nov. 4.

“This felt like the perfect opportunity to help another nation in need with an innovative approach taken by Christopher [Manson] and his supporters through an incredible effort we’re excited to be a part of.”

The idea for the initiative took root when Christopher Manson, OSF Healthcare’s vice president of government relations, and his 7-year-old daughter, Lily, were watching news coverage of the war in Ukraine.

Her question about how they could help led Mr. Manson to a conversation with the Ukrainian consulate about what medical supplies his employer could donate. Ultimately, he found a way to send an ambulance filled with supplies. This act evolved into “U.S. Ambulances for Ukraine,” and RAA’s ambulance is the 20th ambulance to be donated to the organization. It is scheduled to depart for Ukraine on Nov. 10.

Mr. Manson joined RAA and VHHA at the event, along with U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources John Littel, state and local elected officials and health care leaders.

“It is incredible to see Virginians leading the way in providing quality, accessible care to those in need,” said Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources John Littel. “I am humbled by the generosity of those who donated and inspired by the leadership of the Richmond Ambulance Authority.”